LPNs must maintain licensing to practice in all US states.
Licensed Practical Nurses are licensed by state nursing boards in the United States. While there may be slight variances in each state's requirements to attain a license, if an LPN comes to a new state with an active license in good standing from their previous location, many boards will grant a license if the nurse can verify credentials through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. A nurse with an LPN license should investigate the transfer guidelines of their destination state and confirm requirements before applying for license transfer.
Instructions
1. Identify the state nursing board for the state where you hope to practice nursing. To find contact information, you can begin your search on the website for National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
2. Check to see if you are moving to a state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. In the State of Texas, for example, licensed LPNs from other states can practice nursing under their original state license for up to 30 days. If you are moving permanently to a new state that participates in the compact, you will need to apply for a new state license within 30 days of your move.
3. Visit your state nursing board website and research state license transfer requirements. Nursing state board websites will feature licensing information for LPN's including applications, renewal procedures and requirements for those looking to transfer licensing. In New York State, out of state LPNs will need to submit a license application demonstrating you meet the state nursing requirements for education, testing and applicable fees along with verification of your active LPN license.
4. Verify your active current license through the national Nurse License Verification website. For any state you wish to transfer your license to, you will be required to verify your existing credentials on the national Nurse License Verification website provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. To verify, visit the verification website, pay the service fee and include verification information in your state license application. If you currently practice in a state that does not verify through the NCSBN, contact your new state board of nursing to request verification forms for license transfer.
5. Confirm that you meet all requirements for licensing prior to submitting your application and that you are using the proper form for license applications for out-of-state LPNs. Collect your verification information, photo identification, current active LPN license in good standing and the appropriate licensing fees mandated by the state. If the state board has a separate application for license endorsement from another state, be sure to complete that form. If the state requires you submit the standard license application along with your verification materials, submit that form. If you are unsure, contact your state board and confirm the proper application process.
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